Finance
Influencers in India are Economic Powerhouses to the Nation!
Read how India's influencer scene is limitless and why it's a golden opportunity for everyone to start your channel today!
We’ve all spent hours scrolling through social media, watching India’s influencers like Nancy Tyagi, Prajakta Koli, Bhuvan Bam, and others entertain and inspire us. Whether they share fashion tips, travel stories, or comedy sketches, they’ve captured millions of attention and fanbase. But have you ever wondered how it all started and what made this job so appealing?
Here’s how India’s influencer ecosystem has exploded and why now is the perfect time to join the movement.
A Jump Like No Other
Let’s talk numbers first, let’s face it as they speak louder than words. In 2020, India had just 9.6 lakh influencers. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has surged to 40.6 lakh! Yes, that’s a 322% increase in just four years. This isn’t just growth; I say this is an explosion. The industry has moved from a niche to a massive ecosystem, and it’s only getting started.
So, why is this happening?
The Categories Leading the Charge
The influencers we know and love are spread across different categories. But some sectors are growing faster than others.
Closer look below!
- Gaming is the fastest-growing category. In 2020, there were just 1.01 lakh gaming influencers. By 2024, that number had rocketed to 4.67 lakh, marking a 213% rise. With gaming becoming an integral part of pop culture, this sector is set to continue its rise.
- Fashion: This is one of the most influential spaces in the influencer world. Names like Nancy Tyagi, Komal Pandey, Kritika Khurana, and Sakshi Sindwani have reached the sky. In 2020, there were around 2.74 lakh fashion influencers; by the end of 2024, this number had crossed 4.7 lakh.
- Travel: After the pandemic, travel influencers are back in full swing. From just 1 lakh in 2020, their numbers have surged to 3.24 lakh. This category proves how people are eager to explore the world again.
- Parenting: This, too, shows a steady rise, from 87,000 in 2020 to 3.62 lakh in 2024. Parents and families are turning to relatable, family-centric content, and this space will grow more.
Other categories, such as health and fitness and food, are also booming, showing that more and more Indians are getting into the influencer game.
What’s driving this? The Forces Behind the Growth
Social media platforms and smartphones are the game-changers. Today, anyone with a phone and an internet connection can create content and share their voice. No expensive camera equipment or studio setups are required. All you need is an idea and the courage to share it.
Another key factor is the shift in how brands market products. According to Aditya Gurwara from Qoruz, influencers are not just endorsers but strategic partners for brands. Most of their content is authentic, relatable, and often more engaging than traditional ads.
The audience reach is massive, with 93% of India’s internet users using social media. And influencers don’t just sell products; they create conversations that brands cannot ignore.
The Business of India’s Influencers
It’s not just fame; it’s big money, too. The influencer marketing industry in India is expected to grow from INR 2,344 crore in 2023 to INR 3,375 crore by 2026. This growth is a significant part of the country’s creator economy, which Prime Minister Modi recently called “a new energy” in India’s journey to becoming a $5 trillion economy.
It’s clear that influencing is not just a career, it’s becoming an economic force. And this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
The Future Looks Bright from 2025
Fashion, gaming, and arts & entertainment will continue leading the influencer race. The audience is evolving, and so are the trends. The opportunities are endless, whether you’re interested in making people laugh, sharing style tips, or showcasing your gaming skills.
Your Time to Shine
What’s stopping you from becoming an influencer? Whether you’re a school student or a college kid, the digital world is at your fingertips. All it takes is a little creativity, consistency, and, most importantly, the courage to ignore those doubts, “What will society think?” Society will always say something or another always; it is ever-changing, and India’s influencers like you could help shape that change. Will you be a part of it?